Page 85 of Charming Her Monsters

“So what’s the play here? Why do you want me so badly?” I demand.

“You haven’t figured it out yet? I suppose you have been too busy fucking monster cock to learn a damn thing.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Flint opening the drawer that contains random weapons.

To distract from his movement, I shout, “Hey, jerk! No slut shaming. And it’s only been a couple of days since I found out about all this shit.”

The other man and the woman move into position, likely readying to attack.

The witch looks at me with pure hatred in her eyes. I start to worry if looks can kill, because I’d be dead soon with the way she glowers at me. What the hell did I do to her?

I shore up my mental shields because I sense magic gathering around Rob and his associates.

“Calder.” Flint states, “Remember Rome.”

What is that? Some secret code?

Keeping his eyes on our unwanted guests, Calder jerks his head in acknowledgment.

Then I recall what Calder said about intention. The magic has been bubbling inside me all day. The bonding I had with Flint actually seems to have settled the turbulence, and I wonder if I am able to defend myself with my magic. But I have no idea how to wield magic or what I can do other than channel spirits. What if I accidentally unleash some deadly power and hurt Flint, Calder, and my fur babies?

Combat magic is not an option then. But I do need to create protective bubbles, since I’m worry Rob will activate his spell on me, and I will lose myself and become his zombie to do his bidding.

I glance at the dark sky, and again I worry about why Maxum and Arran aren’t back yet. Did something happen to them? Are they about to walk in unsuspectingly and get hurt?

Focus, Jade. I can’t afford to spiral now.

Rob looks at Calder and Flint. “If you stand down, you don’t have to get hurt. Just give us Jade and we’ll leave.”

“Right.” Calder sneers, “You’re just going to leave peacefully and let us be.”

“You hate witches, so what do you care?” Rob looks him up and down with disgust on his face. “All of your group hate our kind. So, give her back.”

“Nah. I think I’ll keep her just to piss you off,” Calder taunts.

“Wrong answer, pigeon,” Rob mocks.

Then all hell breaks loose.

The witch shoots an energy ball at Flint, but fortunately, he doesn’t seem fazed.

Formerly known as Floofer, throws actual daggers at Calder. They look like they are made from iron. He curses as he bats them away faster than any human could.

Rob murmurs a chant, and I feel a wave of pressure roll over my body. He collapses the first level of protection, my auric bubble.

He chants in some strange language even louder when his first attempt to reach inside my mind fails.

The pressure builds until I fear he will pop my energetic shield around my body.

“Calder, now!” Flint shouts as he leaps into the air and, with his expansive wings, lands in front of the phoenix, blocking our attackers.

Thank goodness for high ceilings in the open great room.

Calder snatches me up and races down the hallway.

I want to protest that we can’t leave Flint behind, but I can barely fight for my consciousness.

I’m losing the psychic battle with Rob.

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